91Èȱ¬

Gillingham were held to a goalless draw by struggling Walsall, who have just one win in nine League One matches.

Saddlers striker Ashley Grimes, without a goal since April 2013, volleyed straight at Gills goalkeeper Stephen Bywater early on.

The 27-year-old then flicked a shot at Bywater from Anthony Forde's teasing cross.

Cody McDonald went closest for the Gills, who remain unbeaten in the league at Priestfield this season.

After suffering their heaviest defeat under Dean Smith in almost two years when they went down 4-0 at Rochdale in midweek, Walsall were back to miserly ways at the back, as they achieved a fourth goalless draw in their last nine matches.

Gillingham manager Peter Taylor told 91Èȱ¬ Radio Kent:

"Walsall showed that they were one of the best passing teams in the division last year.

"It was always going to be a difficult match as they came here after getting beaten 4-0 in the week, so it's obvious they're going to be more determined.

"I'm not sure we had a cutting edge. We did some decent things, but when we eventually got to that final third I didn't think we had enough cleverness either with the delivery of the ball but also the position of the players to be in an area to get the ball.

"It's nothing to do with not playing with each other.

"I think we half know where we want people to be on the pitch. Unfortunately when it's out there in the match, that's the time to make that right decision."

Walsall boss Dean Smith told 91Èȱ¬ WM:

"I was scathing of the back five after Tuesday night. We knew it was just a one-off and they have proved what they can do to give us a platform.

"It was a decent performance. Gillingham had their tails up and went into the game with a lot of confidence, but we looked solid throughout and I can't remember Richard O'Donnell having too many saves to make.

"We created a few opportunities of our own and could have taken all three points, but the lads worked hard out there and dealt with things really well.

"It was pleasing to have Adam Chambers back in action. It shows his commitment to getting back out there and involved. And the news is also encouraging with the other injured lads who I expect to be back in training next week."